An apparatus includes an airtight shell and an absorption column arranged inside the shell. The absorption column has a multiple stage component, and a single stage component arranged below the multiple stage component with respect to gravity. A gap is arranged between the multiple stage component and the single stage component. The apparatus also includes a gas input in fluid communication with the absorption column for receiving a gas mixture, and a liquid input is in fluid communication with the absorption column for receiving a liquid mixture. A liquid-liquid separator is arranged below the absorption column with respect to gravity. The gas input is arranged below the single stage component. The liquid input is arranged above the single stage component and below the multiple stage component. A method is described for using the apparatus to remove DME from gas and liquid mixtures.